This May, the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead is back and bigger than ever, bringing a fresh wave of creativity to one of London’s most iconic green spaces. From 7–11 May 2025, over 100 leading galleries from around the world will showcase thousands of contemporary artworks—all priced under £10,000—with something to suit every budget, including curated picks under £500 for new collectors. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just looking for a unique day out, it’s the perfect excuse to hit the Heath. There’s a packed programme in store this year As you enter the fair, you’ll be greeted by The Willow Tree —a stunning geometric sculpture suspended in the main atrium by Brighton-based artist Claire Knill , designed to inspire calm and reflection. Abstract works by Camil Giralt , this year’s campaign artist, will take centre stage with his vivid, meditative compositions. The fair also puts the spotlight on wellbeing, with mindful painting classes overlooking the Heath, a local school art competition, and a specially curated display exploring the healing power of art, perfectly timed ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week. Looking for something a little different? Swing by one of the Summer Lates , where DJs, creative workshops, and complimentary drinks bring a fun, festival-style vibe to the fair. Or come along with the kids for Family Morning on Saturday and Sunday—packed with free workshops, face-painting, and plenty to keep little hands busy. And don’t forget to soak up the views with a drink at The Treetop Terrace , Hampstead Heath’s only rooftop bar. Whether you’re hunting for the next piece for your wall or just want a relaxed day surrounded by creativity, Affordable Art Fair Hampstead is your go-to cultural hit this spring. Affordable Art Fair Hampstead runs 7th-11th May  Book tickets, click here . Written by Claire Selby  Photos courtesey of Affordable Art Fair

From May 12th to May 18th, Fitzrovia quarter is organizing its first ever Wellness festival. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week. The festival highlights the link between physical wellbeing and mental health, as the former contributes to improved mood, reduced stress and a sense of balance. As such, the whole week is planned with the aim to promote practices beneficial to both the body and the mind, in partnership with beauty clinics, fitness studios, and wellness pioneers. Each day features a different theme, encouraging participants to focus on a specific aspect of wellbeing. Each day is themed to support the mind and body: Mindful Monday:   Free gut-friendly cookery class  at Cookery School, a free Lift Off weightlifting workout at Health & Performance Studio. Active Tuesday: Free morning and lunchtime rooftop pilates and circuit workouts with stunning views of central London at CREO's rooftop hosted by FS8  and F45  (use unique passcode FITZ to book), Run Club  with Salad Project. Wellness Wednesday:  IV boosters at REVIV, Healthy snacking and samples at Holland & Barrett. Self-Care Thursday: Gua Sha Eye Rejuvenation at LAPO, Wellness Breakfast at Waldor Clinic. Future Friday: Free morning and lunchtime rooftop pilates and circuit workouts with stunning views of central London at CREO's rooftop hosted by FS8  and F45  (use unique passcode FITZ to book), a free tech-enhanced Gravity Shift  class at Health & Performance Studio, LED Tri-Wave Facial at LAPO. Power Up Saturday: A free influencer Run Club  with @lilliesfitness , Engine Mode HIIT at Health & Performance Studio. Slow Down Sunday:   A free Wellness Walk  with @kirbyanne , Indian Head Massage at LAPO You can also expect curated promotions for expert lead treatments, and high-end restaurants. Find the full list of events through the following link: https://fitzroviaquarter.co.uk/fitzrovia-quarter-wellness-festival-itinerary/ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Fitzrovia

Experience some Mexican vibes, South of the river with Pergola Brixton rooftop bar being the ultimate hangout for spring/summer 2025. Whether you're lounging on the deck or dancing to the DJ's beats, this rooftop will make you feel like you're on a beach vacation. The decor is inspired by Mexico's stunning landscapes – desert, mountains, and sea, with cabana-style seating, cactus plants, and wicker furniture.   Pergola Brixton has teamed up with Altos Tequila to bring you a refreshing cocktail menu for the summer. Think fruity margaritas, sparkling palomas, and even a Tequila Colada Slushie to cool you down. Grab your friends and try the sharing cocktails starting at £35, with classics and new creations like Blood Orange & Peach Sangria. If you're not into sharing, treat yourself to a Vanilla Espresso Martini, punchy Pergola Iced Tea, or a non-alcoholic spritz or margarita.   For those with a dose of the munchies, you can indulge in their very tasty Mexican menu, delivered straight from Brixton Markets - Jalisco.   Pergola offer plenty of specials throughout the week and weekend so there’s something for everyone. After work crowd/evening sun lovers - check out Pergola Sundowners from 5pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Friday, with cocktails at just £7 each. Pergola Lates every Friday from 5pm, where you can enjoy long sunny evenings and late-night dancing with in-house DJs. On Saturdays, indulge in Bottomless Brunch with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks – including Palomas, Strawberry Rum Punch, beer, or bubbles – paired with tacos or nachos for £40 per person.   Pergola Brixton promises an unbeatable rooftop experience this summer bringing you the best of Mexico's drinks, food, and vibes for a cool summer.   Address: Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8PS For more information vist https://www.pergolabrixton.co.uk/ Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesey of Pergola Brixton

Marlow, Buckinghamshire, isn’t just one of the UK’s best places to live, it’s also one of the tastiest. Thanks to chef Tom Kerridge and a growing wave of culinary talent, this riverside town has quietly evolved into a must-visit for anyone who loves great food. It all started when Kerridge opened The Hand and Flowers 20 years ago. A pub with two Michelin stars? Unheard of — until Marlow made it happen. Since then, the town’s gastronomic scene has exploded, with standout spots like The Coach, The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, and dozens more, all adding their flavour to the mix. It’s not just the restaurants making headlines. Kerridge also launched Pub in the Park, a festival celebrating the best of British pub food, live music, and all-round good times. It started in Marlow back in 2017 and has since become a national hit, touring towns like London, Reigate, and St Albans. Joining Kerridge for the event will be renowned culinary super-stars Yottam Ottolenghi, Thomas Straker, Tom Booton, and Matt Tebbutt.  Running from 15-18 May 2025 Pub in the Park in Marlow is packed with chef-led tastings and exclusive dinners, along with live sets from big names like Squeeze, Dizzee Rascal, and Jess Glynne. Expect a weekend of top-tier food, drink, and entertainment — all set against the town’s scenic riverside charm. Craving a taste? Tickets for Pub in the Park are on sale now at  pubintheparkuk.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Pub in the Park

Tucked away at the end of Blenheim Gardens lies one of London’s most charming hidden gems - the Brixton Windmill. A rare survivor of Lambeth’s milling past (there were once twelve windmills in the borough). Built in 1816 and run by Johnathan Ashby, the windmill began life producing wholemeal flour, powered by the wind and later, by steam and gas. It was once the heart of a bustling site that included a bakery, shop, kiln, and even a cottage. The Ashby family ground flour here for generations, right up until 1934. Following the death of the last miller, Joshua Ashby, in 1935, the windmill was purchased by London County council, who created a new public space in 1962. A major restoration in 2010, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lambeth Council, and the Friends of Windmill Gardens, brought the mill back to life — and it’s still producing flour to this day. The volunteers at The Brixton Windmill Thanks to a passionate team of volunteers and heritage officers, the windmill is open for guided tours, milling, flour sales, and a packed calendar of workshops and community events. Whether you're into bread-making, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, or just curious about local history, there’s something for everyone. Don’t Miss Mayfest! Join the celebrations on Sunday, May 5th from 1–5pm, as Mayfest returns at the Brixton Windmill and Blenheim Gardens with a day of seasonal folk traditions. Expect live music, Morris dancing, crafts, planting activities, and a variety of delicious food stalls. A perfect day out for the whole family. So why not swing by this slice of living history? It's a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and milling. To read more about the Brixton Mill and attend an event or guided tour visit https://www.brixtonwindmill.org/ Photography by Nyla Sammons

City Cruises is delighted to announce the appointment of Frankie Mordi as its new Head Chef. Renowned for his impressive track record across some of London’s top restaurants. Mordi brings a fresh perspective, refined expertise, and a passion for bold flavours to the table. With a vision to transform on-board dining, Mordi will craft menus that reflect his own heritage, weaving together global inspirations and personal stories. Guests aboard the Lunch Cruise, Dinner Cruise, and Afternoon Tea Cruise can look forward to innovative, beautifully presented dishes that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients and celebrate the best of British produce—with a contemporary twist. From lunch to late-night dining, Mordi’s culinary flair will be on full display across the City Cruises fleet. The Lunch Cruise offers a relaxed two-course meal set against the backdrop of London’s iconic riverside views. For something more indulgent, the Dinner Cruise features a four-course feast, live music, and stunning cityscapes—with a VIP package that includes premium seating, champagne, canapés, and a curated cheese board. Meanwhile, the Afternoon Tea Cruise delivers a quintessentially British experience, complete with finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and delicate patisserie. You can celebrate Easter with a delightful lunch cruise along the Thames—perfect for a family day out. Enjoy a delicious meal as you take in iconic riverside sights like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. With great food and stunning views, a London River Cruise Lunch offers a unique and memorable experience for all ages. Tickets start from £51 for adults and £41 for children (ages 2–12), with under-twos sailing free. Set sail with City Cruises and enjoy the ride along with a spectacular menu offering. Book now at: cityexperiences.com/city-cruises

From the moment you enter Great Scotland Yard Hotel, the iconic 1820’s Grade II listed building, you are struck by the upscale quirkiness of the interior. This Westminster location is worthy of its 5 star status, from the walls, to the seats to the furniture, the whole ambience screams fun but sophisticated. Coupled with the old police memorabilia and the small details, the hotel gives a clear and modern nod to the building's history. Walking through the velour green curtains into The Parlour, the opulent décor continues, with the stunning wallpaper, monochrome floor and beautiful seating in a small intimate setting. The Parlour has curated a new luxurious, multi-sensory Afternoon Tea, featuring a seasonal spring menu in partnership with Jo Loves and Verve Cliquot Champagne. Having opted for the Verve Cliquot Champagne Afternoon Tea (which comes as a complimentary upgrade on Wednesdays until 18th June. We started with a glass of bubbles and our choice of tea. The selection of teas was impressive with options for every taste (there were pages of tea options, so for tea buffs this is perfect!). After a quick cheers we were presented with an impressive show of dry ice amid the savoury first course, with the glass-topped box holding jewels and handcuffs as a representation of the female thieves that used to be imprisoned in the building. It was a fun and artistic way to present the first course. And the flavours didn’t disappoint, there was a real mix of classics presented; chicken coronation on brown bread, egg truffle mayo on brioche and asparagus and lemon quiche, but all outstanding in presentation and taste. Even the Smoked salmon on white bread was above and beyond; presented in rolled bread, and served with caviar and dill. I’ll be rolling my sandwiches from now on if it means they taste as delicious as this! Then the real stand out and surprise was the Caramelised Jerusalem artichoke and Montgomery cheddar Yorkshire pudding. The Yorkshire was perfectly crisp, and complemented the smooth inside and sharp cheddar. The sweet treats followed, with enough to feed us for days! It was especially welcoming to have warm scones and the accompanying raspberry and lemon jam was other worldly! This was no ordinary jam!! The Pistachio and Raspberry Entremet Éclair was also the perfect combination of textures. It was clear from the moment that we stepped into The Parlour that great care and time was taken to create a stunning afternoon tea, from beginning to end. The service and presentation of the dishes really made this experience stand out, along with the stunning ambience and décor. Spring Afternoon Tea is £65pp (with a complimentary Verve Cliquot served on Wednesdays with “Bubbly Wednesday”). To book visit https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/london/restaurant/the-parlour-london Address: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN, UK Written by Polly Robin Photography courtesy of Great Scotland Yard

Noodle and Beer has officially opened its second location, bringing its bold, addictive Sichaun flavors to 27 Wardour Street in the heart of Chinatown. Following the popularity of their Spitalfields spot, founder Xiaoxiao Wang continues to share his love for Sichuan spice with a Halal menu that keeps things punchy and focused. Expect fiery favourites like Mouth-Watering Chicken and Choo-Shou dumplings, alongside a trio of noodle styles ranging from rich broths to dry, chilli-loaded bowls—like the five-chilli Xian Jiao Niu-Rou, not for the faint-hearted. The two-level space matches the menu’s intensity, with a lively upstairs featuring mosaic floors, beechwood tables, and a chef’s counter for front-row views of the action. Downstairs takes things darker and moodier, with red interiors and a late-night vibe—open until 4am on weekends, it’s ideal for a spicy post-party bite or an all-evening hangout. To cool things down (or turn them up), there’s a sharp drinks list, from craft beers to inventive cocktails like the Sour Lush Desir and the Velvet Heat Whisky Highball. Whether you’re swinging by for a quick noodle fix or making a night of it, Noodle and Beer is turning up the heat in London’s dining scene—ready when you are! Address: 27 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6PR Written by Claire Selby  Photography by Rusne Draz

Canary Wharf has a powerful new resident, a towering four-storey whale sculpture leaping from the docks at wood wharf. Created by artist-architect duo Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of Studiokca, Whale on the Wharf isn’t just eye-catching, it’s a bold environmental statement. Crafted from plastic waste collected on Hawaiian beaches and mounted on a concrete base made using spent coffee grounds from Canary Wharf’s own cafes, the piece spotlights the growing issue of ocean pollution. Shockingly, there's now more plastic in our oceans by weight than whales. This UK first installation joins over 100 artworks in the country’s largest free-to-visit outdoor public art collection, sitting alongside icons like henry Moore’s draped seated woman and Camille walala’s captivated by colour. The sculpture not only reflects the scale of the issue, but showcases The Canary Wharf group’s commitment to sustainability, with zero waste sent to landfill from its managed areas since 2009. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or just passing through, this captivating piece is well worth a stop and a moment of reflection. Explore the full collection via Canary Wharf’s art map or the digital art guide on Bloomberg Connects. For more information visit https://canarywharf.com/ Address: Wood wharf, canary wharf, London Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Photography by Stephanie Sowaha

This spring, Londoners are invited to experience a vibrant collision of art, scent, and flavour at the Regent Street Sensorium, an imaginative pop-up running from 9th to 27th April at 10 Heddon Street, W1B 4BX. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm, this free, immersive exhibition is a creative collaboration between Regent Street, St James’s, and the creative studio Bompas & Parr. Designed to stimulate all five senses, the Sensorium offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of Regent Street in unexpected ways. Begin your journey by walking through a cloud of the exclusive ‘Regent Street’ fragrance by Aromaria, then marvel at an architectural ‘jellyscape’ – colourful jelly sculptures depicting historic buildings and cultural moments, including David Bowie’s iconic album shoot on Heddon Street. The Jelly Counter tempts with edible creations like the crisp green apple Scallopia, refreshing melon-and-milk Jester, and Flora (rose and hibiscus). Meanwhile, a Sensory Quest Treasure Hunt sends you exploring the area to match real-world landmarks with jelly inspirations — snap a photo, complete your map, and return for a sweet reward. For those craving an enhanced experience, interactive workshops hosted by Bompas & Parr, Aromaria, and local brands will delve into jelly-making artistry and the science of scent. For tickets for the workshops visit https://www.regentstreetonline.com/news/awaken-your-senses-Regent-Street Address: 10 Heddon Street, W1B 4BX Hours: 12pm-8pm Price: Free to attend. Jellies available to buy from £3.00 Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Bompas & Parr

In celebration of South Africa’s Freedom Day, Humble Grape is hosting two special wine tasting events, centered around their star South African products: Blackwater Wine. Produced from vineyards across the Western Cape, they are renowned for being honest, lively, and unpretentiously fine. The first event will be held on Tuesday 22nd April at Humble Grape’s Islington wine bar, as part of their World of Wine Tasting series (£60pp). Over the course of the two-hour tasting experience, you’ll taste seven different wines, including the Blackwater ‘Zeitgeist’ Cinsault 2019, from Darling, SA – pure, fresh, and effortlessly drinkable - and the Blackwater ‘Cultellus’ Syrah 2016, from Swartland, SA – a striking yet elegant expression of South African Shiraz. 
 For an enhanced experience, you can book tickets for the Winemaker Supper Club at Humble Grape Fleet Street on Wednesday 23rd April (£120pp). The evening will pair five Blackwater wines with a five course South African-inspired menu, curated by Executive Chef Dane Barnard. The wine list will include Blackwater ‘Underdog’ Chenin Blanc 2023 from Swartland, SA, which is fresh and fruity, and Blackwater ‘Terra Lux’ Pinot Noir 2022 from Elgin, SA – delicate yet complex with a long, graceful finish.

 Both events will be led by Francois Haasbroek, founder of Blackwater wine, who will share his knowledge and insights on the estate’s wine making practices. Book your place at Humble Grape . Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Pictures courtesy of Humble Grape

The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and London is bursting with family-friendly fun! From thrilling Easter egg hunts to hands-on creative workshops and delicious treats, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s a roundup of the best places to visit for an unforgettable Easter break with the kids. Castle Square is hosting a fantastic community Easter event on Good Friday For a free, fun-filled day of Easter magic, head over to Castle Square for an Eggstravaganza like no other! From 11 AM to 5 PM, families can enjoy colourful face painting, storytelling by the Easter Wizard, and energetic dance performances by Talentos Dance School and USDD Kids—think breakdancing, popping, and more. Address: 40 Elephant Road, London, SE17 1EU   For the latest updates and more information, follow @castlesquarelondon on Instagram and Castle Square London on Facebook. Easter fun in Covent Garden and Seven Dials Easter meets art and adventure as London transforms into a giant outdoor gallery with over 100 giant Easter egg sculptures designed by world-renowned artists like Mr Doodle, Anya Hindmarch, LUAP, and Sophie Tea. Take a stroll through Covent Garden, hunt for these stunning eggs, and soak up the spring vibes. Fancy getting creative? On the 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th of April, families can join artist Caroline Dowsett at Seven Dials Market for free Easter egg decorating workshops (perfect for kids aged 3+). Easter at Covent Garden is a family affair! From 5th -10th April visit the London Transport Museum for engaging workshops celebrating 25 years of Transport for London. Kids can create their own designs, build maps of their ideal London Underground system, or even take part in Mini-Buskers sessions. Families with younger children (aged 5 and under) can also enjoy an interactive storytelling session, where they can learn about the iconic big red London bus through songs and stories. Hop on board Tootbus This Easter, treat the family to an Easter-themed Kids Tour for an egg-ucational bus sightseeing tour of London with Tootbus! Explore London’s famous sights, rich history, filled with fun facts and histories told via live commentary from enthusiastic guides. Be entertained with delightful Easter tales, egg-citing facts, and charming stories that bring the city’s seasonal magic to life this Easter.  Running until 21st April, kids will be treated to some cracking treats including a Kids Activity Book, Easter-themed paper masks and egg-cellent Easter chocolates.  To book visit Tootbus The Marylebone Easter Egg Hunt  Get ready for an egg-stravagant adventure! The much-loved Easter Egg Hunt at 108 Brasserie is back, inviting families to search for 108 hidden eggs around Marylebone Village. Crack open these eggs to find fabulous prizes from Rococo Chocolates, Caroline Gardner, and more. But here’s the golden twist—whoever finds the Golden Egg wins an overnight stay in The Marylebone’s stunning Terrace Suite! The fun doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, 20th April, enjoy a day of egg painting, Easter cocktails, and an indulgent roast at 108 Brasserie. Pre-booking is essential, to book visit https://www.sevenrooms.com Battersea Power Station London’s iconic Battersea Power Station is getting an Easter makeover! As part of The Big Egg Hunt, you’ll find a huge collection of artist-designed egg sculptures both inside and outside the venue. Over the Easter weekend, the Power Station will be hosting its first-ever chocolate market, The Chocolate Station, with stalls selling chocolate, eggs, truffles and more. Little ones can be entertained with a range of family-friendly activities on offer, including bungee trampolines, bumper cars and arts and craft sessions over the Easter weekend from chocolate slime workshops to easter basket and plant pot decorating. Fun at Smyths Calling all little detectives! Smyths Toys is hosting a FREE Easter Letter Hunt, where kids can search for letters hidden in-store and unscramble the word to win a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania! The hunt starts at 9 AM sharp—but hurry, it’s while stocks last. Partnering with ZURU Toys, the FREE Smyths Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt rolls out in all Smyths stores on April 12th from 9AM (While stocks last). Fun places to visit with the kids during the Easter holidays in London.